Professional vs DIY tree stump removal

When you have a dead or dying tree in your garden or grounds, you have the option of removing the tree trunk and stump by yourself or hiring a professional to do the job. Whether you choose to take the DIY or professional route, stump and tree removal can be a difficult and dangerous job. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on your own needs and resources.

For DIY enthusiasts, tree stump removal can be a satisfying and straightforward project. If you’re able-bodied and reasonably competent with a chainsaw and other tree stump removal equipment, you can often handle the job with minimal outside assistance, plus the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

There are a variety of methods available for removing your tree stump without the help of a professional. If the tree is younger than two or three years old, the easiest way is to dig around the tree stump. This involves using shovels, picks and spades to carefully dig around and underneath the tree stump and remove the soil. Once all of the soil has been removed, you can sever the roots from the stump. You can then use a variety of tools, such as a chisel, axe, sledgehammer and crowbar, to break the trunk into smaller pieces or burn the remaining stump and roots. We have a couple of helpful articles that will help DIY stump removers! How to burn out a tree stump, How to use SBK tree stump killer.

The next step is to fill in the remaining hole with the surrounding soil and a mixture of compost, bark and mulch. You can also add grass turf or plants to cover the area. If you’re reasonably handy, you can usually complete this entire project in a day.

Hiring a professional tree stump removal service has its advantages, too! Hiring a professional is sometimes the most practical and safest way to go, especially if you are dealing with a large, very old or dead tree, as it could be hazardous for someone without experience to attempt to remove the tree on their own.

Professionals have the proper tools and training for the job, including chainsaws and stump grinders, as well as experience with hazardous tree removals. They also have the necessary licenses and insurance to protect you in the event of an accident, such as damage to your property or personal injury. In addition, they can typically remove the stump much faster and with far less effort than the DIY method, meaning you’ll have your garden cleared much more quickly.

Another advantage of using a professional service is that they can usually grind down the remaining stump. This will eliminate unsightly evidence of the tree and limit the possibility of further tree growth from shoots or stump sprouting from the ground.

Finally, the cost of hiring a professional tree service to remove your tree stump may be significantly less than the cost of purchasing or hiring the necessary tools and equipment. Depending on the size of the tree, the cost of hiring a professional for stump removal and grinding can range from a £100 to £600 depending on the size of the stump. You can read our post about The cost of stump grinding and what to expect.

Ultimately, the decision to take the DIY or professional approach to tree-stump removal will depend on your budget, the size of the tree, and your own skill level. DIY enthusiasts may enjoy taking on the challenge of removing their tree stump, while homeowners faced with a complex or hazardous tree may be better served by hiring a professional. Whichever approach you choose, remember to be safe and proceed with caution. If you do decide to remove your own tree stump, read our Safety tips for DIY tree stump removal.